THE SCHOOL IN THE CITY:

Recognised by the University of Siena , is run by a cooperative of teachers. It was founded in 1986.

ORBETELLO, surrounded by its lagoon, was an important Etruscan port and the home of trade between ancient civilisations. Its historical, urban and natural features provide the ideal conditions for meeting local people, as well as guaranteeing quality of life, making it just the place for a language school.
The old town centre, was originally organised to provide a functional setting for everyday life of the townsfolk. The same places where people used to meet within the Etruscan walls, are still in use today. The little piazzas and quiet lanes with their bars and restaurant tables, come to life in the evenings, with street theatre s and concerts that are open to everyone. The warm Mediterranean air provides encourages one to stop and mingle with others.

This is the rich setting in which you'll find the TERRAMARE School .

The close contact with the everyday life of the town gives our students many opportunities to hear and use everyday Italian, and creates a close interaction between the language learnt in school, and practice in the local community. Ours is, in fact, a responsive school capable of transforming local cultural events, plays and shows into enjoyable learning situations for further language study and social activities.

ENROLLING FOR A COURSE AT THE TERRAMARE SCHOOL means numerous opportunities to combine language learning with language practice.

Classes are always small with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 students, divided into 6 levels (as described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

In the morning (9.00 am to 1.00pm Monday to Friday) there are general language lessons with activities to encourage the practical application of the language and the analysis of form and structure with the aim of fully involving each student in their own linguistic and cultural development.

The school is open all year round. It's possible to enrol at any time and choose a course specially tailored to your requirements, answering to any need of studying, working, way of life and leasure time and suited to any level.

Small classes (minimum 2/maximum 6 students)

All levels are recognized by the Common European Framework for Languages.

ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (GROUP)
Standard course 20h/wk + cultural activities and excursions

The duration of the standard course is two weeks. It is also possible to enrol for periods of one or more weeks. The classes are formed on the first day of the course after the compilation of a language level test. All the levels are catered for, from beginners to proficiency. Each class has a minimum of two, a maximum of 6 students. Lessons take place in the morning, Monday to Friday, from 9.00 a.m. to 1. 00 p.m. (with a twenty minutes break).

THE PROGRAM:
Morning: 4 hrs language lessons from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a brief pause of 20 minutes.
The desire to include social and cultural information about our Country is a strong motivation to learn the language. For this reason, as our land is so rich in nature, archaeology, art, history and traditions, we offer an intense program of cultural activities in the afternoon.
Afternoon: 4 cultural meetings ( 6hrs/1wk; 12 hrs/2 wks)- Italian literature, art history, archaeology, art, song and cinema.

1 all day historical-naturalistic excursion to one of the islands of Tuscan Archipelagos during the first week.
1 half day historical-naturalistic excursion during the first week (Natural Park of Maremma, "Giardino dei Tarocchi" by Niki de Saint Phalle, Spring-waters of Saturnia.
1 half day historical-naturalistic excursion during the second week (after a little trek along the cost to swim, you can see an ancient Roman or Etruscan site).

COMBINED INTENSIVE
Italian language and culture with group+ two hrs "one to one" p.m.

THE PROGRAM:
Class lessons each morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. plus two hours of individual tuition in the afternoons.
Students who choose a combined course participate in all the cultural activities organized by the school for intensive group courses.
The possibility for the students to integrate the program and to include specific purposes.

THE SCHOOLS

Both the school in Milazzo and the one in Lipari are located in the centre of town, in short walking distance from the ports. The main historical, archaeological and scenic sites, as well as the beautiful beaches, sport fields, discos, pubs, restaurants and shops, can all be easily reached from the school.

MILAZZO - SICILY

One of the most important and ancient towns in the province of Messina, it lies at the base of a long narrow peninsula that extends towards the Eolian Islands. It was founded by the Greeks of Zancle (Messina) in 716 B.C. and was called Mylae. Despite the foreign dominations that followed, it always remained a city of primary importance. Today it is the home of some interesting archaeological ruins and ancient buildings, including the imposing castle overlooking the town. Milazzo is divided into two parts: the medieval village, which is the higher and more picturesque area, and the modern centre which is particularly active due to its port that is the main link between the Eolian Islands and Sicily.

EOLIAN ISLANDS - LIPARI

Among Sicily's smaller islands, the Eolian Archipelago distinguishes itself for the extraordinary and unique characteristics of each of the seven islands, all of which are of volcanic origin.
Lipari, the most important island of the archipelago, is a concentration of natural beauty and cultural elements, settled there through the centuries, that can be rediscovered in the traditions and rhythms of the Eolian lifestyle.
Visitors can enjoy the island's unspoilt nature, sandy beaches, white as snow pumice mountains and crystal clear sea. The island's Castle, which houses one of the most important museums of the Mediterranean, offers visitors a glance at its ancient history. Attending an Italian Language and Culture Course in the Eolian Islands will allow you to fully immerse yourself into the culture, colours and flavours of the Mediterranean, making your study holiday a unique one.

 

The tradition of the Italian language began in Sicily at the court of Frederick II in the thirteenth century. Here his Sicilian School planted the roots for the Italian language, and this tradition was subsequently continued and developed in Tuscany. Here the poet Jacopo da Lentini created the poetic form of the sonnet, which was exported to the rest of Italy and later all over Europe.

Studying Italian in Sicily means discovering its artistic wealth and cultural heritage accumulated through the centuries. The University of Messina, founded in the 16th century, represents a cultural reference point not only for Sicily, but also for Italy and Europe. In 1955, in the same city of Messina, some ministers of foreign affairs, at a historical meeting, laid the foundations for the rise of the European Union.

 

THE TEACHERS

Our teachers are all university graduates, with both, qualifications in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language (DITALS) and teaching experience in Italy and abroad. In addition, they participate in various excursions and activities organised by the school for the students.
 
TEACHING MATERIALS

The teaching material, included in the cost of the courses, is carefully selected by our teachers and adapted to the various learning needs of the students.
 

Teaching methods are in line with the modern teaching techniques for learning and teaching Italian language and they are strictly in compliance with the indications of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages.

Teachers organise their lessons so as to make learning a pleasant and successful activity. The four main language skills are developed uniformly during the lessons: students work on the comprehension of the oral language (listening) and the written language (reading) as well as on oral language production (speaking) and written production.

Moreover, the limited number of students per classroom (on average 4−6 students) enables teachers to follow students more accurately and ensures constant interaction with them.


Teaching material

During the lessons teachers make use of authentic material developed by the school and by the teacher themselves, as well as schoolbooks. When selecting the lesson contents teachers start from the idea that Italian language must be introduced to students in its current use, by making reference to the complex cultural aspects of Italy.


Course levels

Courses are organised in 6 different levels (A1− A2, B1− B2, C1−C2) as suggested by the Common European Reference Framework for Languages. Students can pass from one level to the next after about 160 hours lesson and passing the relevant examination. Lessons last 45 minutes.

We usually form small classes, on average 4−6 students, and surely no more than nine students per classroom. Each class has different teachers. Inclusion in the various levels is decided the first day of the course according to the results of the entry test.


Teachers

Our teachers are graduated and possess the relevant certification (DITALS) to teach Italian to foreign students and they have a long−lasting experience in this field acquired both in Italy and abroad. Teachers take part in the programme of various activities organised by the schools out of lesson hours.


Workshops

In order to correlate the language learning to the Italian cultural framework, the school organises workshops on different topics such as: art, history, cinema, music, traditions and cuisine.
Workshops can also be organised as an individual course if classrooms are not formed due to the lack of the relevant number of students. Some workshops require a certain language knowledge: in this case the school shall inform students about it.


Exams and Certificates

A certificate of frequency is given, on request, at the end of the course. An end of course exam must be taken before moving up to the next level.
It is also possible to follow a preparation course for the CILS certification.
CILS, Certification of Italian as a foreign language, is awarded by the Laboratorio Linguistico in connection with the Università per Stranieri di Siena.
The exams can be done two times a year in June and in December.

Learn Italian at the seaside, in Tuscany, Italy
Officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research

Study Italian in Italy where it is spoken — The italian language school "Giacomo Puccini Centre" organizes all the year round Italian Language and Culture Courses to learn italian in Viareggio, one of Tuscany's most beautiful beaches.

Learn italian while learning the italian culture — Take part in one of our italian language programs here in Viareggio, Tuscany, Italy! We offer a wide range of different italian language programs from our popular standard language course to individual tuition and our Italian Diploma course (AIL Exams and CILS exams). People from all over the world come here to learn the italian language and to study the italian culture and way of living. The climate is excellent. We are right in Tuscan Versilia, one of the most exciting and interesting Italian seaside resorts. Viareggio is located close to Pisa, Lucca, Florence and Carrara.

The method

Direct method —There are four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking which need to be studied and developed right from the first level to achieve understanding and expression in authentic communicative situations. We use only italian language, with beginners too. Situations are simulated in the classroom using authentic teaching material. Structures and vocabulary are adapted to the lower levels and become progressively more complex. At advanced levels different types of text are used to encourage the recognition and reproduction of different language styles.

The Italian teachers

Native Italian speakers —We place great emphasis on our selection and training of teachers. We look for lively, well-educated, motivated, interesting people who will be capable of motivating all their students. They must be native Italian speakers and have a University degree; in addition, they have prepared themselves for their inter-cultural task through intensive studies covering various topic areas; they have been trained in both traditional and more modern teaching methods and frequently use role-play, rythm excercises and word games.

Italian course levels

There are 5 different levels of Italian. —Students have to pass an entry test, written and oral, to be placed in the right level.

Basic ( beginner ) - This course is designated for those students who are beginning Italian for the first time. By the end of the course, students will be able to form some of the basic structures in Italian and will have a basic knowledge of the Italian culture.

Level 2 ( elementary ) - This course is designed for those students who already have a previous knowledge of some of the basic structures in Italian. By the end of the program, students will have increased their level of grammar and vocabulary so they can express themselves functionally according to different contexts. They will also have a greater awareness of italian culture and society.

Level 3 ( intermediate ) - This course is designed for students having a general command of the more complex structures in the Italian language and a good vocabulary base. By the end of the course, students will be able to use their Italian more fluently and will have a greater understanding of the Italian way of life. The course attempts to improve the student's understanding of the linguistic and extra-linguistic structures in Italian.

Level 4 ( advanced ) - This course is designed for students possessing a solid knowledge of the Italian culture and are able to perform at a communicative level. By the end of the course, students will have gained a wider knowledge of the Italian culture and will be more proficient at expressing ideas at an abstract level.

Level 5 ( proficiency ) - This course is designated for those students with a high command of the Italian language. Special emphasis is placed on perfecting the student's oral and writing skills and also in developing a global perspective of the Italian culture in relation to the student's particular field of interest.

Teaching materials

Textbooks, excercises, homework— We developed a highly effective teaching system which has been made into a series of textbooks. These books form the basis of most of the teaching but they are also supplemented by other material drawn from radio, TV, music, magazines, newspapers etc. The textbook contains a progressive series of lessons with integrated exercises and homework, each of which are intended to form one day's work.

Teaching material used in class and the attendance certificate given at the end of the course are included in the course fee. 

WHY CHOOSE CENTRO GIACOMO PUCCINI?

There are several reasons to choose our Centre:

Founded in 1988, we have years of experience and specialise in teaching Italian in Italy
The school is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research
The school is Officially recognized by the Swedish authorities
(Vår skola är godkänd av CSN och Högskoleverket)
A young and higly motivated professional teaching facultiy all specially trained in teaching Italian to foreigners
We are members of ASILS (Association of language schools for teaching Italian as a foreign language)
All levels of Italian offered from April to October
Small study groups
Courses start every 2 weeks (including beginners)
After 3 or 6 months the AIL-exam "Firenze" (Accademia Italiana di Lingua) DELI/DILI/DALI/DALC can be taken
A whole range of activities offered for students to gain insight into the Italian culture
Meet students from all over the world while studying at Centro Giacomo Puccini
Friendly and helpful staff that give personal attention to each student
Access provided for handicapped students
Membership
AIL: Accademia Italiana di Lingua
ASILS: Association of language schools for teaching Italian as a foreign language
ELITE: Excellent Language Teaching Institutions in Europe

 

 

Standard Italian language course

20 classes per week (approx. 45 minutes each) —This course is offered from all the year round at all levels. This is the most popular course and it is ideal for the majority of the students. The classes cover all aspects of the Italian language.

• Starting dates: every 2 weeks
• Duration: from 2 to 24 weeks
• Lessons: 4 per day, 20 per week
• Tuition: on all 6 (monthly) ability levels
• Class size: minimum 3, maximum 12 participants in each class*
  

Working in small groups (average 8, max 12 people), you will quickly make progress in Italian. Special emphasis is placed on speaking and interactiving in italian.

*In order to guarantee every student the corresponding level, the school reserves all rights to halve the course if the minimum number of students will not be reached.


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Intensive Italian language "Plus" 5 & 10 course

25 / 30 classes per week (approx. 45 minutes each) —This course includes the Standard Italian language course plus 5 / 10 classes on an individual basis.

• Starting dates: every 2 weeks
• Duration: from 2 to 24 weeks
• Lessons: 4 lessons of Standard Italian language per day, plus 1 or 2 lessons of private tuition
• per day. 25 or 30 per week
• Tuition: on all 6 (monthly) ability levels
• Class size: minimum 3, maximum 12 participants in each class*; 1 participant in the private lessons

We recommend this course for those who want to learn italian very quickly. In the individual classes you decide on the contents, topics and exercises with your teacher: the teacher will be able to help you individually.

*In order to guarantee every student the corresponding level, the school reserves all rights to halve the course if the minimum number of students will not be reached.

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Individual tuition

Minimum 3 to maximum 8 lessons per day; the course intensity may be changed from week to week. —We suggest you choose our private tuition program if you want a course that can be tailored to your particular professional, or personal, or time scheduling requirements. The minimum enrolment period is 5 days, which can be extended according to your needs.



Trough continual practice of the language as an integral part of an intensive program with your own personal teacher, you are guaranteed swift progress and success in the shortest possible time.

Your private tuition program is fully flexible in terms of times, dates, and what areas of interest you wish to study.

These individual courses may start on any weekday of the year. The intensity of 3 to 8 lessons daily can be decided by the participant.

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Diplom course

Accademia Italiana di Lingua— Our school is a recognized examination centre of the Accademia Italiana di Lingua (AIL), and we organize preparatory courses for all the different Italian "Firenze" examinations of the AIL.
We organize different courses (Standard courses combined with specific Preparatory courses) for beginners as well as advanced students

• Duration: The duration of the courses vary from 4 to 24 weeks, depending on your knowledge of the Italian language:

DELI - Diploma "Firenze", basic level (elp: A1/A2 - s/n: N3)*:
At the end of the 1st ability level; exams 4 times a year.

DILI - Diploma "Firenze", intermediate level (elp: B1 - s/n: N6)*:
At the end of the 3rd ability level; max. 3 months preparation for beginners; exams 4 times a year.

DALI - Diploma "Firenze", advanced level (elp: B2/C1 - s/n: N9)*:
At the end of the 6th ability level; max. 6 months preparation for beginners; exams twice a year.

DALC - Diploma "Firenze" Business language, advanced level (elp: B2/C1- s/n: N9)*:
At the end of the 6th ability level; max. 6 months preparation for beginners, including business and commerce course; exams twice a year.

The specific preparatory courses always start one month before the examination dates and consist of 4 lessons daily of grammar review and conversation in the morning plus 2 lessons of test taking strategies and examination drills in the afternoon. On request we can send you our entry test to check your knowledge of the language and to establish the time necessary to prepare yourself for the different exams.

Class size: Classes consist of minimum 3, maximum 12 participants in each class.**



Ask for the special information brochure for the AIL-exams Firenze.

* Levels according to the Assessment Grid of the European Language Portfolio (elp), based on the assessment grid of Schneider/North (s/n).
**In order to guarantee every student the corresponding level, the school reserves all rights to halve the course if the minimum number of students will not be reached.


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Italian language course for senior

This course is specifically designed for more mature students over the age of 50. Students will learn italian in a pleasant and relaxing enviroment, accompanied by a wide variety of cultural activities.

the morning course of Standard Italian Language is designed to improve language and conversational skills, and heighten the awarness and appreciation of Italian culture

• 4 language group course per day, 20 lessons per week
• Excursions and tour in the afternoon
• Minimum 3 participants.
• If there is only one patecipant, she/he will be placed in an intensive Plus-5 course. All organized activities are free of charge for this participant
• One full dey excursion during the weekend

Carnival Week

Every year Viareggio celebrates its "Carnival of Italy and Europe", with splendid day and night celebrations, floats, parades, district celebrations, masked dances and shows of every kind.
During this period you can visit the "Citadel" (Carnival town), a structure that includeshangars for the creation of the floats, the papier-mache schooland the carnival museum.
Viareggio's Carnival is the ideal place to meet different people and cultures, wich mixes traditionwith universal principles like solidarity and peace

the morning course of Standard Italian Language is designed to improve language and conversational skills, and heighten the awarness and appreciation of Italian culture

• orientation tour on the carnival of italy and Europe
• Guided visit to the "Citadel" (Carnival town) and museum
• Partecipation at shows and cultural events such as fun musical comedies and masked balls
• Partecipation at the Carnival parades

The Italian lessons

Grammar and conversation lessons —The main emphasis of these lessons is placed on the development of communication skills in spoken and written present-day Italian. Examples of the subjects covered in the lessons are:

• Grammar (forming words, sentence structure, spelling and word sounds). Not in the form of strict rules, but through communication and practice.
• Everyday situations which you will encounter during your stay in Italy such as meeting people, telephone conversations etc.
• Vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
• Styles of language use; when a particular use of language is acceptable
• Cultural factors such as the meaning of words in different contexts; the gestures and body language which accompany and influence communication.
• Language use.

Dear Friend Welcome to the Solemar School!
Thanks a lot for your interest in combining your holiday with the study of the Italian language and culture.
Our Language School in Sicily has been working successfully for more than 16 years aiming at offering highly qualified Italian courses in a friendly atmosphere at favourable prices.
Our participants stay in very charming holiday houses in a small bay about 15 km from Palermo.
As we enjoy a pleasant climate all year round, it is possible to have a relaxing beach and a stunning culture holiday together.
Those who would like to live in well refined holiday houses, boarding on their own, should take our offers, hereafter described, into account.
If you want to bring your children, we are able to offer a very efficient and qualified baby-sitting service during the hours of the lesson, or a children suited language course.
If you wish to choose our school in Cefalù, you can stay either in an old Sicilian style apartment, or in host families, but also leisurely in a comfortable sea side hotel, which is equipped with excellent tourist facilities.
If you are interested in our courses, send us the enrolment form within at least 3 weeks before the beginning of the course; otherwise you should contact us directly to make sure that there are vacancies.
In order to distinguish our school from less serious organisations of language courses, you may enquire at your nearest Italian Cultural Centre who will provide all the information required.
References of former students, who attended our courses, can also be provided.After receiving your enrolment form we will send you precise information on how to reach the school.
We are already looking forward to welcoming you !

With our best wishes from sunny Sicily.

Thomas Grüssner & Maria Carnevale


SICILY
The Mediterranean island which enchants with its arts, culture and nature. We have been organising our language courses for 16 years in two places in Sicily.


CONCEPT
At Mongerbino, lessons are dealt outdoors, weather permitting. In this way, the student learns without missing out on the sun and the splendid ocean view. We assure that you cannot find a more appropriate condition for learning. We have a central location with classical modern classrooms.

At Cefalù, our students use the rooms of an ancient school, which, today, is partly inhabited by a nuns' order. The school also has an outdoor courtyard. Language courses, of a two weeks medium length (40 lesson units), take place from Monday to Friday in the morning hours. It is possible, of course, to reserve a week only, or to prolong the frequency, having, beforehand, the certainty that the course continuation will seriously consider the knowledge level reached until that moment. The integration into the appropriate groups will be decided through a preliminary written valuation test and a short guided conversation. Usually groups for lessons are formed by 4 - 5 students (max. 8 per lesson)

 

 

 

 

 

COURSES

By booking an "intensive" Italian course (2 weeks - 40 lesson units of 45 min. distributed into 4 lesson units each day), beginners, after two weeks' lessons, possess a wide vocabulary to express themselves and to understand, not disregarding the construction of an excellent grammar basis, seen as a means and not as a purpose, onto which one could continue to build up a serious study of the Italian language. Students with pre-knowledge enrich their vocabulary and learn to go more and more deeply into the beauty of the Italian language. Students of advanced levesl, too, and even teachers of Italian as L2, have the opportunity to attend a course that offers practicing their language skills with our highly qualified teachers. Our school issues a professional certificate at the end of such a course.

"Personal" Italian course - 2 weeks' "intensive" course + 10 individual - personalized - lesson units " an individual way to learn Italian even better"…
The results you have reached by attending the "intensive" course are even more consolidated during the 10 extra lessons. While getting one-to-one instruction, the student has an opportunity her to practice the vocabulary and the grammar structures he/she has learned during the group lessons. During such personalized lessons, the student can express his/her linguistic needs and thus accelerate his/her language learning process.


Italian course "business" - 2 weeks - 6 lesson units of 45 min. per day. For all those people who, for working reasons or personal desire, have decided to learn Italian very quickly, without missing out on the advantages of the group lessons dynamic.
 

Individual lessons. the students decide the lesson units and their length. A didactical itinerary according to one's own language background and needs will be decided in collaboration with one's own teacher. Following an agreed upon schedule and program of study, the collaboration of other teachers is also forseen. While keeping our methodical-didactical sstructure, each kind of course also aims at considering the students' particular needs and wishes.


Our well trained teachers claim the most extensive experience in the instruction of the Italian language, known as L2 in Sicily, and have a degree in literary subjects. They constantly update their knowledge about current teaching proposals and didactical instruments. They deal with courses of all levels: ranging from that of absolute beginners level to the preparatory one for those who wish to teach the Italian language abroad. The teaching methodology follows the most advanced research lines of glottodidactic and developes, equally, all the linguistic abilities: reading, writing, listening and comprehension and, stressing most of all, fluency in oral production. All didactic materials are provided free of charge by the school.

1. week
Sunday		Arrival/ Preliminary Test
Monday	09:00	Group formation; meeting
	10:00	Language lesson
Tuesday	09:00	Language lesson
	20:30	Dinner in a typical trattoria in Bagheria
Wednesday	09:00	Language lesson
	19:30	Guided tour in Cefalù with wine tasting
Thursday	09:00	Language lesson.
	18:00	Cooking course with food and wine tasting of Sicilian choice dishes in a beautiful villa in Porticello
Friday	09:00	Language lesson
	15:00	Guidet tour of Palermo and its most important monuments
Saturday	08:00	BusTour to Mount Etna and Taormina
2. week
Sunday		free
Monday	09:00	Language lesson
	20:30	Together with your fellow participants watch the famous Italian movie "Cinema Paradiso" (Giuseppe Tornatore is from Bagheria!)
Tuesday	09:00	Language lesson
	16:00	Tour of Bagheria's famous baroque villas - the summer retrat of Sicilian nobility (optional, meet in front of Villa Cattolica )
Wednesday	09:00	Language lesson
	11:00	Tour of a nearby Sicilian ceramics artistic workshop, famous for its gorgeous colours and designs. Meet the artist. Market day in Bagheria
Thuersday	09:00	Language lesson.
	16:00	Tour of the Greek and Roman  ruins in Solunto.
Friday	09:00	Language lesson - bill payments at the office (11:30 - 13:00)
	15:00	Socio-cultural tour of the old town of Palermo. This guided tour is part of an anti-mafia project of Padre Cosimo Scordato and his team. Visit their "centro sociale" and some re-educational workshops and the world-famous market of the "Albergheria", one of the most pictoresque quarters of historical Palermo, afterwards possibility to eat at one of Palermo's typical trattorias.
Saturday		departure day

CIAO !

if you are searching among Italian courses in Italy and among the different Italian language schools in Italy and you are looking for study abroad programs and a course of Italian in Sicily, then we have it! Please, read what follows to know more about our school of Italian and our Italian language courses in Sicily, Taormina.

Our Italian courses can be language courses in a group or private language courses. Our Italian language school in Taormina, Sicily, offers study stays from one week up to one year! We can assist you in finding accommodation in Taormina

If, beyond a full immersion study abroad stay, you also want a full cultural experience, we offer a wider choice of culture courses from which to choose:

· cooking courses
· arts & crafts: ceramics, painting, sculpture and wood restoration courses
· Italian literature courses
· Italian history courses
· art history courses

Or, maybe you prefer something more active, dynamic, sporty? Then you can choose from:

· eco-tours
· sport & adventure
· golf

On the other hand, if you need courses for specific purposes, we can offer:
· business & executives courses
· commercial correspondence

With our Italian language courses we offer a program of social and cultural activities

Beyond all of that, our Italian language programs are officially recognized by:

· THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
· A.S.I.L.S. - Associazione delle Scuole di Italiano come Lingua Seconda -, the only one south of Naples
· I.A.L.C - International Association of Language Centres -, the only one south of Rome

And our School of Italian has signed agreements with:

· UNIVERSITY FOR FOREIGNERS of PERUGIA as Official Authorised Exam Centre for CELI Exams - Certificato di lingua italiana. The CELI exam is conform to the ALTE- Association of Language Testers in Europe – directives on the European standards fixed by the European Council. The exam sessions are in June and November
· UNIVERSITY "Ca’Foscari” of VENEZIA as authorized language centre for the apprenticeship of ITALS Master for teachers of Italian as foreign/second language


Do you already know our town, Taormina, and our island, Sicily?

Taormina has very ancient origins: in its Bay of Naxos, in 735 b.C., the first Greek colonizers landed and founded their first colony (Naxos) which was later to become the Magna Grecia. After them, whoever ruled over the Mediterranean Sea left their “footprints” on this wonderful island. Would you like to know Taormina a little bit better? Click on Taormina and have a look at our photo album and, if you have time, go for a virtual walk in town among its monuments, its history and its beaches.

Taormina can also be the basis for a trip in Sicily to discover the roots of the Sicily's culture and traditions. As W. J. Goethe wrote in 1786: "Without Sicily, Italy cannot be fully understood. It is here one finds the key to all things.”. Sicily has been at the centre of the Mediterranean See, and therefore of the European interests, for more than 2.000 years, until the “discovery” of the New World.

At the time of Dante Alighieri there was already a discussion among academics about which should be the national Italian language: that of the writers and poets of the courts of Frederick II or that of the court of the Medici in Florence. Then the divine Comedy was written and this put an end to the discussion… But it is in Sicily that the national theatre has its origins, with the tragedies written by Eschilo, Euripide, Aristofane. It is here that the genius of Archimedes anticipated the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. And it was the culture of the Magna Grecia that fed the Etruscan civilisation, first, and the Latin civilisation, afterwards, making Rome “Caput Mundi”. Click on myths of Sicily, if you want to know more about them.

Two of the Nobel Price for literature were Sicilians: Pirandello e Quasimodo. But many are the Sicilian writers who are fundamental in the history of the Italian literature: Verga, Capuana, Rosso di San Secondo e Tomasi di Lampedusa. And still nowadays the contribution of Sicily to the Italian literature is immense: : Vittorini, Sciascia, Bufalino, Consolo e Camilleri.

The same in music: from the “cantastorie” telling the stories of the French Paladins to the Opera composer Vincenzo Bellini.. The same in paintings: from Antonello da Messina to Renato Gattuso. And in fashion: from Mariella Ferrera to Dolce & Gabbana.

Not to be forgotten are also the treasures of the eno-gastronomy: from pasta alla Norma to caponatina, from cannoli to pasta reale, from Marsala wine to Malvasia.

Our Italian language courses can be the beginning of an unforgettable journey in Sicily. From Taormina, it is very easy to get to Syracuse, volcano Mount Etna, the Eolian Islands, Catania, Piazza Armerina and Noto. And, travelling a little bit further, to: Palermo, Selinunte, Segesta, Agrigento, Erice. And many more are the treasures of Sicily.

We would love to welcome you to our Italian language school in Taormina, Sicily for an unforgettable cultural and learning experience.

Ciao e… a presto!

 
   Alessandro Adorno
founder & school director


PROGRAMMA

Our Italian language course program has been developed from a communicative based approach and focuses on the four language abilities (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Our first goal is comunicazione, both oral and written. Our courses are structured to conform with the European standards set by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) and by the Council of Europe.
 

Our Standard group course is divided in two parts: 2-hours of language analysis followed by 2-hours of practice with communicative tasks. The analitical activities includes controlled oral and written production, while the communicative tasks involve listening and reading comprehension and free oral and written activities. The instructors rotate weekly to add variety and interesse to the group dynamic. Grammatical structures are presented in order of frequency and relative complexity. The material is always introduced in some form of authentic text (newspaper or magazine article, taped dialogue, video-taped situation, letter, short story, etc.). Progress is monitored and all teachers meet weekly to facilitate organization and ensure proper student placement.
 

There is a massimo number of 10 students per class, although depending on season our average class size is generally between 4 and 6 people. This limit ensures a small group environment conducive to communication and offers each student the opportunity to speak as much as possible.
 

Ranging from Absolute Beginner to Advanced, our Italian language course
program is divided into six different levels of abilità. Students may enrol in our weekly
classes for up to 6-months of coursework, depending on their goals. All students
are placed in a level based on their entrance exam (both written and oral).

Though we are somewhat flexible, we highly recommend that all students begin
on our specified start dates, which occur roughly every two weeks
(please consult Course Schedule). Absolute beginner courses start only according
to our course schedule.

Our Italian language courses are structured to conform with the European standards set by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) and by the Council of Europe.

The Formation Program is diviso into three levels and allows students to reach the “threshold level”, the level of communicative competence according to the Modern Language Project of the Council of Europe.

Formation:

Beginner (1st level)
Intermediate (2nd level)
Superior (3rd level)

The Specialization Program is also divided into three levels and allows the students to reach a level of competenza in the Italian language which is necessary for entrance into an Italian university.

Specialization:

Advanced 1 (4th level)
Advanced 2 (5th level)
Advanced 3 (6th level)

Each level last four weeks. However, completion of a particular 4-week course does not guarantee advancement to the next level. Language learning is not a mechanical endeavour. It is an academic endeavour which also involves a personal and psychological component. Some studenti have elected to repeat a particular level or delay advancement by a week or two, so as to continue study and practice of particular structures. Since our Italian language program is developed by a communicative-based approach, our materials, activities and tasks are quite extensive and it is rare that the student will repeat the same activities, using the same materials. We have designed our program with this in mind.

Most of our students take full advantage of the authentic materiali we use in the classroom and the communicative activities and tasks we employ, which often extend out of the classroom and into the students’ free time.

Upon request, we also offer completion exams to solidify and measure progress achieved. As an accredited language institution, our school corresponds to various International continuing educational programs.


I NOSTRI INSEGNANTI

All the teachers of  our Italian language courses are university graduates and many speak at least one or two other lingue.
Most of them have studied foreign languages at università and/or language schools abroad and all have been trained to teach Italian as a second/foreign language.


As a member school of A.S.I.L.S. our teachers take advantage of the regularly scheduled teacher training seminari and workshops offered by the Association of Schools of Italian as a Second Language as well as by other professional organisations.In addition, we organize our own, ongoing, in-house teacher training program.

Progress of the students is continuously monitorati and all teachers meet weekly to facilitate organization and ensure proper student placement.

We consider extremely importanti our weekly teachers' meeting during which teachers can also exchange their own experiences in class and the results of the different activities proposed to the students.

 


 

Learn and study Italian in Italy at our Centre for Italian Studies: Italian full immersion programs & intensive Italian language programs, Italian language group courses, intensive Italian lessons.

SEMI STANDARD - Italian courses
These Italian courses are designed for those who want to study only 2 hours per day, focusing on the language analysis activities or the communicative tasks
2 hours per day language analysis OR communicative tasks

STANDARD - Italian courses
These Italian courses are designed for those who want a complete language experience, studying 4 hours per day, focusing on the language analysis activities and the communicative tasks
4 hours per day language analysis AND communicative tasks

STANDARD PLUS - Italian courses
These Italian courses are designed for those who, beyond the advantages of the Standard group course, want to have an extra individual hour (one-to-one) especially devoted to their individual language needs
5 hours per day language analysis AND communicative tasks PLUS 1 hour individual lesson per day

INTENSIVE - Italian courses
These Italian courses are designed for those who want to have a more intensive group course to strengthen their abilities in a shorter time
6 hours per day language analysis OR communicative tasks

 

INDIVIDUAL COURSES (One-to-one) - Italian language courses
These Italian courses are designed and arranged on an individual basis to meet your needs, for as many hours as you want, in a given period of time
1 hour	€ 37
10 hours per week	€ 370
15 hours per week	€ 555
20 hours per week	€ 740

CLOSED GROUP COURSES (Two-to-one) - Italian language courses
These Italian courses are designed for two people who want to share a language course with no one else, for as many hours as you want , in a given period of time
1 hour	€ 52
10 hours per week	€ 520
15 hours per week	€ 780
20 hours per week	€ 1040

 

On top of that, cookery in Sicily has the taste of its history. When cooking and tasting Sicilian food and Sicilian recepies, you will track back how cookery in Sicily has been influenced by Greeks, how cookery in Sicily has been influenced by Arabs, how cookery in Sicily has been influenced by Spaniards. Cooking in Sicily has the flavour of the waves of the Sicilian "Magna Greece" sea, cooking in Sicily has the flavour of the shiny, tasty and colourful vegetables of the Sicilian soil that Romans introducing their aqueducts, cooking in Sicily has the flavour of the sweetness of the Arabic poetry, cooking in Sicily has the flavour of the Spanish baroque so dominant over the island.


A language is not the result of a set of grammar rules. A language is the result of a culture and its traditions, its history, its life style and its places. With this in mind, if want a fuller cultural experience in Sicily, and not just be a simple tourist but be a real traveller, you can combine an Italian language course in group or Italian private lessons with "CASALINGA COOKING" CLASS:

The "CASALINGA" COOKING CLASS is given by a real Italian/Sicilian "mamma" or "papà" in their home and it is for those who wish to learn "la cucina casalinga". You will learn how to prepare a full meal with first course (pasta, risotto or soup), a second course (vegetarian, meat or fish), side dish (salad or vegetables) and, during the week, one sweet or cake. The price includes dinner with "mamma" and family in her home!!!
3 days a week, 3 hours and half per day	€ 190
Price is for 1 week. All courses are extendable for as many week as you wish. All courses are given in Italian. Knowledge of the language is required

The COOKING CLASSES FOR REAL CHEFS is meant mostly for professionals or for people interested in "high level cuisine" and "nouvelle cuisine". You can observe professional while cooking at work in the kitchen of a top category restaurant. You will be tutored by a professional chef but, because of laws on hygiene and work you will not be allowed to touch or cut or mix food. The course does not include dinner. At the end of the training a Letter of Recommendation is issued by the restaurant and the chefs. Not available in July and August.
still to be confirmed for 2008 3 days a week, 3 hours and half per day	still to be confirmed for 2008
Price is for 1 week. All courses are extendable for as many week as you wish. All courses are given in Italian. Knowledge of the language is required

Our "WINE TASTING FOR BEGINNERS" program is meant for people who like wine and want to learn how to recognize quality, age, characteristics and want to be able to analyse wines: an introduction to become a sommelier in the future! 6 lessons (1 ½ hour each) in 2 weeks, including 1 visit to a wine producer cellar and fields.
6 lessons (1 ½ hour each) in 2 weeks, including 1 visit to a wine producer cellar and fields	€ 175
Prices is for 2 weeks. All courses are extendable for as many week as you wish. All courses are given in Italian. Knowledge of the language is required.

Our "THE PRODUCT OF SICILY: WINE, OIL & CHEESE" program: Sicily has an extraordinary production of excellent wines, oils and cheeses. Come and learn more about them with a personal experience. The course includes tasting and explanations about origin, production, recipes. 3 lessons (1 ½ hour each) in 1 week, including tasting
3 lessons (1 ½ hour each) in 1 week, including tasting	€ 115
Prices is for 1 week. All courses are extendable for as many week as you wish. All courses are given in Italian. Knowledge of the language is required

We wish to welcoming you soon in Taormina, Sicily and give you the opportunity to discover our island so full of history, so full of culture, so full of light!

For more courses, please ask the school

We hope this can be for you a start for a cultural exploration of Italy. We will be pleased to endow you with an instrument capable to improve your knowledge of our country: the italian language. Look at it as a key to open the many doors of our reality. We wish you good work and a very nice trip!

Koinè is a special kind of school. In fact it was set up in 1980 as an association of teachers, all coming from personal and professional experiences in the area of teaching Italian as a foreign language. Since these teachers were dissatisfied with their experiences, they decided to create a new structure which would differ from other private schools in the style of work and teaching methods.

Our courses lay emphasis on spoken language, not disregarding grammar rules, but considering language in its actual function, that is a means of communication between people. Therefore our lessons are focused on making students communicate in italian, helping them to achieve a better expression and comprehension. In this we have always been accurate and our method has been established over a 20 years activity of constant research and applied studies.
Our school gained official recognization by the Italian Ministry of Education last year and belongs to the Asils association of Italian schools for foreigners.

The program and didactic method were developed over a 10-year period of research and testing by the didactic group of the Koinè Centre. Through this work, the Center has developed teaching materials, books, and audiovisual tools and organized seminars and teacher orientation courses.
THE PROGRAM Our courses represent a communications program based on the realities of everyday life in Italy, and include the main aspects of social and cultural reality. We have established a program which, through the selection of specific reading materials, helps the student experience Italian society in an individual, personal way and not merely though the eyes of a tourist.
THE METHOD Our program follows a method which considers different didactic methods, but is based principally on activities requiring the use of creativity and induction. These kinds of activities are aimed at developing the confidence and autonomy of the student who is required to participate actively in classes. In this way, the students become the protagonists and the teacher becomes a discussion leader. According to the best scientific research, in order to be truly effective, teaching should involve not only the rational part of the memory but also the unconscious. The goal is to conquer concrete abilities. First, talking and speaking and then reading and writing, to avoid learning blocked by the inability to communicate effectively.

 
On the first day, students take a language test to determine their level and to enable us to create homogeneous classes. There are five levels divided into two cycles. Each level takes a month to complete. Therefore, it is possible to attend for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 5 months to complete the entire cycle.

BASE LEVEL The attainment by passing three proficiency levels of the “threshold level B1”; that is, the level of communicative ability recognized by the Common European Framework for Languages as permitting participation in an Italian language environment.
ELEMENTARY LEVEL Allows means to handle most daily situations, to satisfy basic needs, and to understand relatively simple information.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL Allows means to handle most daily situations, to express one's point of view, and to explain, describe, and recount in a sufficiently precise manner.
ADVANCED LEVEL This enables one to reach the threshold level, i.e., to obtain those linguistic instruments of communication necessary to move easily within Italy and in direct contact with Italians. The entire cycle places emphasis on the spoken language.
SPECIALIZATION LEVEL At two teaching levels: the rationalization through the systematic procedures of knowledge of the language, of correctness of expression of the richer aspects of the spoken and written language.

Upper Level 1: Morphology and syntax 1st part. Analysis and in-depth study of various tone levels in the spoken language.
Upper Level 2: Morphology and syntax, 2nd part. Analysis and in-depth study of the various tone levels in written language. Introduction to dialects.

 

 

Discover the beauty of the Cinque Terre and the charm of Portofino by learning Italian with us.

Nel Blu is located in the historical town centre of Chiavari, in the region of Liguria with its unique and evocative landscape created by the fusion of land and sea. The school is modern and welcoming, and is situated just a few minutes from the beach. We are open all year round and organise group courses for all levels and individual lessons for students, tourists and professionals in order to satisfy our clients’ requirements.

The school is located on the second floor of an attractive Art Nouveau building with characteristic balconies with flowers. The classrooms are bright and spacious, each room is furnished in a different style but all have their own particular ‘marine’ atmosphere. The school uses traditional slate blackboards (slate being local to the area), and has a well-stocked library, tape recorders, a television and DVD player. Students may also enjoy a cup of Italian coffee or a light snack with the teachers during lesson breaks.
All teachers are mother tongue and their competence and professionalism guarantee lessons of the highest quality.